There is a genre of timepiece that goes beyond the conventional time and date offering, one that delivers a sophisticated resolution to those managing time across different time zones. These are often known as travel watches and include one of two key complications: GMT or worldtimer.
Both GMT and Worldtimer watches allow you to display the time in more than one country, but how exactly do they work? And what sets them apart? Join us as we decode these timekeeping mysteries and find out exactly what the difference is between GMT and Worldtimer watches…
Sea Hunter - Credit Geckota
For many modern-day travellers, a display for the time in two different time zones is all that is required: the time at home and the local time of the country they are visiting. In this instance, a GMT watch would suffice. GMT watches, also sometimes known as UTC or dual-time watches, are found with an additional hour hand on the watch dial. This extra hand points towards a 24-hour scale so the wearer can track a second time zone.
GMT watches have become indispensable tools for those who travel, or simply communicate with friends, family or colleagues across the world on occasion. By adjusting the GMT hand, users can quickly determine the time in another part of the world without disrupting the main timekeeping function of the watch. Some GMT watches also feature a rotating bezel or an additional inner bezel to provide even more versatility in tracking multiple time zones.
Sea Hunter - Credit Geckota
Whereas GMT watches typically only display one or two additional time zones on the dial, a Worldtimer watch goes one step further by showing the time in multiple cities simultaneously. 24 cities to mark the 24 different time zones are placed upon the dial or bezel, a feature often called the city disc. To use a worldtimer watch, you simply rotate the city disc to align the desired city with the current time, and the corresponding hour is then read from an additional 24-hour scale or a separate subsidiary dial.
Worldtimer watches cater more towards the needs of individuals who communicate or cross different time zones regularly. Since they are designed to provide a comprehensive view of the world's time, allowing wearers to easily reference the time in major cities without the need for mental calculations or adjusting the watch settings frequently, it makes sense for frequent flyers and business professionals to choose a worldtimer watch over a GMT.
Sea Hunter - Credit Geckota
Choosing between a GMT watch and a Worldtimer depends on your specific lifestyle, preferences, and budget. In general, GMT watches are sought after by those that fly across different time zones on occasion for business and leisure. They are a practical, simplified choice that tracks two time zones at once.
Meanwhile, Worldtimer watches are designed for those that travel more regularly or have communication with individuals in multiple cities around the world. Because of their more complex mechanism, worldtimer watches are typically more expensive than GMT watches too. But that also means watch enthusiasts that appreciate the craftsmanship and complexity of horology are more likely to find these models more appealing.
Ultimately, the choice between a GMT and a Worldtimer watch comes entirely down to you. Both make for stylish and handy timepieces to own, and there’s plenty of brilliant models out there on the market to enjoy.
